January 24 – April 26, 2015

Lotus and the genius of Colin Chapman have been at the forefront of racing technology and automotive design since 1948. Colin Chapman’s philosophy of light weight and efficiency of design resulted in 7 Formula 1 World Championships as well as wins at Le Mans, and Indianapolis , saloon car racing and the World Rally Championship. Chapman’s mantras of simplification, light weight and the least amount of parts effectively deployed that went into his racing car design were directly translated into Lotus’ road cars and produced iconic machines such as the Seven, Elan, Esprit, and Elise. The rest of the automotive world is finally realizing that horsepower makes you fast in the straights, but light weight makes you faster everywhere – and more fuel efficient to boot!

For over 60 years Lotus has continued to produce class-leading sports cars and are a globally respected automotive engineering consultancy, working with many of the world’s most prestigious car manufacturers.

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of a 1978 Lotus Type 79 Championship winning Formula 1 car to the Lotus: The Art of Lightness Exhibit which is opening on Jan 24.

The Type 79 was a ground breaking Formula 1 design featuring aerodynamic “ground effect” that catapulted Team Lotus to their 7th Formula 1 Constructors Championship and Mario Andretti to the 1978 Formula 1 Driver’s Championship. Through Team Lotus’ history they had a reputation for design innovation that literally reset Formula 1 car design standards. The Type 79’s “ground effect” aerodynamics continued that trend and sent all other competitors back to the drawing board. Resplendent it its John Player Special livery, and affectionately referred to as “Black Beauty” the Type 79 ranks among the most important race car designs ever.

Assisting Sponsor:

This exhibit will feature a variety of Lotus models both road and race throughout that 60 year history.

Behind the Scenes . . . . Here are a couple Lotus race cars being unloaded and “raced” down the drive behind the AACA Museum to their storage area until the exhibit opens! Having a little fun!

In addition to the vehicles on display, this exhibit will include Lotus artwork. Gary Dausch will supply 3 pieces depicting Ayrton Senna driving Lotus Types 98T (John Player Special Livery) and 99T (Camel Cigarettes Livery) and a portrait of Jim Clark seated in a Type 43. Gale Heimbach has cutaways of a Series 1 Elite, an Elan Drop Head Coupe, and a Europa Twin Cam which will add both artistic and technical value to the exhibit.

We’re still in need of a trailer for the Lotus Racing sets. The trailer we are seeking is a “double decker 4 car trailer”. Please get in contact with us if you have one of these trailers and would be interested in having it displayed here at the AACA Museum during the time of this exhibit.

Lotus: The Art of Lightness

Opening Reception – Friday, January 23rd

We had over 400 guests sign up to be part of our opening night which was a huge success! We have heard nothing but rave reviews from those who attended. To view photos from the night, view the album on our Facebook page.

Common Language – England & America

George Bernard Shaw purportedly once said “England and America are two countries separated by the same language”.

This is no more true than when it comes to cars. Across the pond, what we call a hood is a bonnet. Their hood is our convertible top. A trunk is a boot, fenders are wings and shock absorbers are dampers. If you ask for a wrench you will get a quizzicle look until you ask for a spanner instead. And when you are behind a slower car you don’t “flash to pass” you “dip your beams”. Over there when your tank is empty you get some Petrol. Even more confusing is car type nomenclature. We all know that there is really not much difference between a Convertible, Cabriolet, and Roadster (at least not now a days). But the Brits have the additional designation of Drop Head Coupe. If you have a beer in a Saloon in this country you’ll be ok, but if you do it in England you’ll be driving a Sedan while under the influence. Trucks are Lorries. Campers are Caravans. We drive Station Wagons, while in England you drive an Estate, unless of course you drive a Rolls Royce, then it is a Shooting Brake! What?

Keep Up To Speed

Be one of the first to know about current and upcoming exhibits happening at the AACA Museum.